Mitral annulus velocity determined by DTI is a relatively preload-independent variable in evaluating diastolic function.

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The FFR measurement in jailed side branch lesions is both safe and feasible. Quantitative coronary angiography is unreliable in the assessment of the functional severity of jailed side branch lesions, and measurement of FFR suggests that most of these lesions do not have functional significance.

Background-We sought to identify preoperative predictors of clinical outcomes after surgery in patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation. Methods and Results-We prospectively enrolled 61 consecutive patients (54 women, aged 57Ϯ9 years) with isolated severe tricuspid regurgitation undergoing corrective surgery. Twenty-one patients (34%) were in New York Heart Association functional class II, 35 (57%) in class III, and 5 (9%) in class IV. Fifty-seven patients (93%) had previous history of left-sided valve surgery. Preoperative echocardiography revealed pulmonary artery systolic pressure of 41.5Ϯ8.7 mm Hg, right ventricular (RV) end-diastolic area of 35.1Ϯ9.0 cm